Long time lurker of the site but finally took the time to join. My name is Jarren and I am a mid twenties Sous Chef from Joplin, Missouri. My dad and I have competed in KCBS BBQ for quite some time now including cooking in the American Royal Open over 8 times, so I practically grew up in the smoke. We now compete in competitive chili competitions nation wide with the CASI organizatione. I being classically trained also have a interest in charcuterie with sausages and cheese and the like. Lets see the equipment I currently have is a 22.5 Silver Touch Webber, a MasterForge Double Door Gasser, and an Outdoor Gourmet 4-burner Gas Grill. My father has a 4 rack rotisserie Kinfisher Kooker, 2 Barrel Smokers (one offset, one straight), 2 brinkman Mr. Smokers(Dont Use Much), and a Brinkman Vertical with an offset smoke box. We are also just now finishing up our 2 UDS this week. Thats all I got for now. Any questions feel free to ask.

Jarren, welcome to Smoking Meat Forums. We like it when a long time lurker desides to join the SMF Family. With the number of competitions under your belt, folk here wanting to get into competition cooking will be beating a path to your door. We have a number of folks here that the tops when it comes to charcuterie and they will be able to answer your questions in that area. Enjoy the Smoke!

Hi Jarren! to SMF!!! We're happy you found us! You've come to the right place, we have over 50,000 members who just love to share their experience and over 1,000,000 posts describing it! Yea that’s right over 1,000,000!

The search bar at the top can be your best friend when you are trying to find answers to your questions but you can still ask too if you want!

We have an Articles section that is full of great information about smoking to include a lot of recipes and instructionals. Check it out there is a lot to learn in there!

If you didn't read the Terms of Service notes.....please do. There are a few things that everyone should know about those pesky little rules before plunging into the forums. Rule #11......"Off Site Links are not allowed here at SMF" is something new. There are other simple guidelines for all of us to remember as we interact here.

If you need any help roaming around here in SMF....just give me a shout. Happy to help any time!

Welcome to the forums, Jarren! Glad you've joined us. You've found a great place to learn and share ideas on our favorite pastimes...grilling, smoking, and curing great food! There are lots of friendly and knowledgeable folks here who really enjoy helping one another. Just ask any time you need help and you'll get plenty!